NEAT members enjoy breakfast gathering at Neeb farm near Gadshill

With a green Oliver 1650 tractor in the background, members of the North Easthope Antique Tractor Club enjoy breakfast and conversation during last week's visit to the Neeb farm near Gadshill. The Oliver tractor line was later acquired by Cockshutt, and many Cockshutt tractors were built in Brantford. The company is recognized as one of Canada's notable tractor manufacturers and was among the first to offer an independent power takeoff (PTO) system on farm tractors. Gary West photo

By Gary West

Members of the North Easthope Antique Tractor Club (NEAT) gathered near Gadshill last week for one of their popular summer breakfast outings, this time hosted at the farm of Matt Neeb.

While threatening skies and occasional showers made for less-than-ideal travelling conditions, the weather did little to dampen the enthusiasm of club members, some of whom received an unexpected soaking during the trip.

A large turnout of antique-tractor enthusiasts made the journey to the North Easthope farm, where they enjoyed breakfast, fellowship and the opportunity to explore a collection of artifacts and memorabilia displayed throughout the Neeb family’s farm buildings.

Host Ron Neeb also welcomed neighbours, friends and relatives to the gathering, ensuring there was plenty of company and conversation throughout the morning.

Breakfast sandwiches and hash browns were prepared by the Gerber family food truck, whose farm is located nearby toward the hamlet of Hampstead. As always, ice-cream sandwiches proved to be a popular dessert for attendees.

The weekly breakfast outings continue to be a highlight for club members, combining a love of antique farm machinery with visits to local farms and rural landmarks throughout Perth, Oxford and Waterloo counties.